His Excellency Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary of Health Centres and Clinics Sector, Ministry of Health (MoH), led the opening today (October 4, 2015) of a training workshop being held in preparation for the Ministrys coming launch of a national campaign against measles to be launched in November 2015. The initiative, which is being held in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Health Authority and the Dubai Health Authority, is aimed towards providing free immunization for Emiratis and UAE residents at all health centres and through mobile teams deployed across different primary schools in the country.

The workshop, which will run until October 5, 2015 at the H-Hotel in Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, will be facilitated by leading spokespersons and experts from various health authorities like the MoH, health authorities and the UAE University. More than 120 participants composed of doctors, nurses, technical and administrative experts are taking part in the workshop. These participants come from various medical groups affiliated with the MoH, Abu Dhabi Health Authority, Dubai Health Authority, coordinating committee members from UAE ministries, authorities, public utility associations and other supporting entities.

H.E. Al Rand shared, The UAE is committed towards participating in international health initiatives, especially in the move to fight the spread of measles. In line with this, the Ministry is set to implement routine vaccination programs along with supplemental immunization campaigns to help combat these diseases. In addition, the MoH pays great attention to preventive measures and the implementation of a comprehensive health system that aims to improve the health sector in the UAE according to the best international practices. Supported by our wise leadership, we are keen on providing the essential vaccines and achieving a wide range cover exceeding 95 per cent as well as implementing additional vaccination campaigns as per the recommendations of the International Health Organization, to reduce the rate of patients and deaths in the UAE.

The MoH Assistant Undersecretary revealed that the Ministry will hold a press conference next week to announce the launch of the national campaign and to further share details on the initiative.

The workshop aims to train the participants on the essential work procedures to be observed and practiced during the campaign. The participants will be educated on the roles of all involved personnel in the campaign; the cooling sequence of vaccines and the continuous supervision to ensure that central and local supervisors, vaccinators and registrars are working flawlessly. Upon completion of the workshop, participants will now be qualified to operate in their respective regions and affiliated authorities. The central and local supervisors will oversee work efforts in the campaign by monitoring all committees, workforces and health centers day and night.

Dr. Laila Al Jessmi, Head of Vaccination Department, MoH and participant in the workshop, has asserted the safety of the vaccine to be used and its compliance with the highest quality standards recommended by the International Health Organization. Al Jessmi assured that the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and will be available during the national immunization program. The vaccine aims to improve the immunity of the targeted classes and avoid occurrences of this disease in the UAE.

The MoH is encouraging all Emiratis and UAE residents to take part in the campaign by receiving the additional dose, regardless of any previous administered vaccinations--to gain further protection and boost immunity against the disease, especially that there is no specific cure for measles. Protection through vaccination is the only way possible to prevent the disease and provide a healthy future, free of such contagious and serious illnesses.

Measles is a highly contagious human disease caused by the measles virus, which mostly infects children and adults. The airborne disease spreads easily through coughs and sneezes of those infected. People are infectious to others from four days before to four days after the start of the rash or symptoms of the disease, while the incubation period lasts for 10 days. The symptoms of the disease are similar to that of a flu including cough, coryza (head cold, fever, sneezing) and conjunctivitis (red eyes), along with fever and rashes on the face and neck of the patient. The rash then spreads to the lower parts of the body and lasts between one to three days.